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Maximum Animatable Level, or MAL, is the highest level that a sorcerer is able to animate using the [[Animate Dead (730)]] spell. This entry will help you calculate your own MAL using your [[Sorcerous Lore, Necromancy]] ranks.
Maximum Animatable Level, or "MAL," is the term for the highest level of critter which a sorcerer is able to animate using the [[Animate Dead (730)]] spell.


== Necromancy and MAL ==
== Necromancy and MAL ==
MAL is set on a scale of -10 to 26, which means that at her worst a sorcerer can animate at ten trains below her own, and at their best, that sorcerer could animate up to 26 trains above their own. Most sorcerers are going to be in the negative side of things, but don’t fret, that doesn’t mean your animates will be useless.
MAL is set on a scale of -10 to +26. Meaning, at one's worst they can animate at ten levels below their own, and at their best, they could animate up to 26 levels above their own. Sorcerers without significant training in [[Sorcerous Lore, Necromancy]] are going to have negative MALs, but not to worry, this will not preclude you from animating, or finding worthwhile targets for animation. To find out what your exact MAL is (using Troll King blood), use your [[Sorcerous Lore, Necromancy]] ranks as (N) into the following equation:


⚫
*MAL = {(N-20)/5}-10 [round down]
To find out what your exact MAL is (using Troll King blood), simply plug your [[Sorcerous Lore, Necromancy]] ranks (N) into the following equation:


⚫
If your [[Sorcerous Lore, Necromancy]] ranks are less than 20, assume a -10 MAL. If you are a less experienced sorcerer, this number will be modified by whatever bonus you’re getting from the troll blood you’re using, and it likely be higher than what this equation assumes. Refer to section 4 (Troll Blood and MAL) or the [[Troll]] page for more detailed information.
⚫
MAL= {(N-20)/5}-10


Example:
⚫
(always round down). If your [[Sorcerous Lore, Necromancy]] ranks are less than 20, assume a -10 MAL. Of course, if you are a younger sorcerer, this number will be modified by whatever bonus you’re getting from the troll blood you’re using, and it likely be higher than what this equation assumes. Refer back to the section on troll blood or the [[Trolls]] page for more information on this.
⚫
'Sorcerer A' is level 58 and has 58 ranks of [[Sorcerous Lore, Necromancy]]. 58 minus 20 is 38. 38 ranks divided by 5 is slightly over 7. Rounding down, we get 7 even. Next, subtract 10 from 7, and we have -3. This means that Sorcerer A, using Troll King blood, will be able to animate at 3 levels below their own, or in other words, any creatures up to and including level 55. Increasing their [[Sorcerous Lore, Necromancy]] ranks to 60, would cause their MAL to rise to -2 (they may animate up to level 56).

⚫
So let’s take Sorcerer A who is level 58 and has 58 ranks of [[Sorcerous Lore, Necromancy]]. 58 ranks minus 20 is 38 ranks. Now, 38 ranks divided by 5 is a little over 7. Since we round down, we’ll retain 7 and leave behind the remainder. Now, subtract 10 from 7, and we have -3. That means that this sorcerer, using Troll King blood, will be able to animate at 3 levels below their train, or up to level 55. If that same sorcerer were to increase their [[Sorcerous Lore, Necromancy]] ranks by 2 (taking them to 60 necromancy ranks), their MAL would rise to -2, or up to level 56.


== Using Another Sorcerer's Animation Crystals ==
== Using Another Sorcerer's Animation Crystals ==
If you happen to be using crystals made by another sorcerer, simply average your sorcerer’s [[Sorcerous Lore, Necromancy]] ranks with the ranks of the sorcerer who created the crystals, and plug that number into the formula.
If you are using crystals made by another sorcerer, simply average your sorcerer’s [[Sorcerous Lore, Necromancy]] ranks with the ranks of the sorcerer who created the crystals, and plug that value into the formula as "N."


Example:
For example, sorcerer A is using sorcerer B’s animation crystals. Sorcerer A has twenty [[Sorcerous Lore, Necromancy]] ranks, and sorcerer B had one hundred and twenty [[Sorcerous Lore, Necromancy]] ranks when she created the crystals that sorcerer A is using. So, first, we average them. 20+120=140; divide that by two, and we have 70 ranks. So we go back to the original formula, and we plug 70 in for N. We get 50 divided by 5, which is ten. We then subtract 10 from that number, and we get 0. That means that sorcerer A, who would normally be animating at -10 with only 20 ranks of [[Sorcerous Lore, Necromancy]], will be able to animate at their training using the crystals of sorcerer B.
'Sorcerer A' is using 'Sorcerer B’s' animation crystals. Sorcerer A has twenty [[Sorcerous Lore, Necromancy]] ranks, and Sorcerer B had one hundred and twenty [[Sorcerous Lore, Necromancy]] ranks when the crystals were created. First, average the ranks. 20+120=140; 140/2=70. Now back to the MAL formula, using 70 for N. 70-20=50; 50/5=10; 10-10=0. The effective MAL for Sorcerer A when using Sorcerer B's crystals is 0 (zero). This means that Sorcerer A, who would normally be animating at level-10 with only 20 ranks of [[Sorcerous Lore, Necromancy]], will be able to animate at their level using the crystals of Sorcerer B.


== Calculating A Specific Creature's Actual Level ==
== Calculating A Specific Creature's Actual Level ==


This is how you calculate your sorcerer’s exact MAL, but you also need to be able to calculate a creature’s exact level. Fortunately, [[Corrupt Essence (703)]] has a TD pushdown that is partially based on creature level relative to the sorcerer’s level. (Remember that any BCS creatures will generate on a range of levels centered around the base creature’s age. So while Shan may be 42nd base level, individual Shan will range from the high 30's to mid 40's. If you’re animating right at your MAL, it’s important to keep track of the individual creature you’re trying to animate so you don’t end up accidently blowing off a hand. The equation for the level of a creature, based on [[Corrupt Essence (703)]], is as follows:
Now we've discussed how to calculate your character's MAL, but you also need to be able to calculate a creature’s exact level. Fortunately, [[Corrupt Essence (703)]] has a TD pushdown that is partially based on creature level relative to the sorcerer’s level. ([[BCS]] creatures will generate on a range of levels centered around the creature’s base level. Example: Shan are a base level of 42, though you may find individual Shan to range from the high 30's to mid 40's.) If you’re animating near your MAL, it’s important to keep track of the individual creature you’re trying to animate so you don’t accidently blow off a hand. To determine the level of a creature using [[Corrupt Essence (703)]], use the following equation:

⚫
TD Pushdown = (Wisdom bonus -1) + Level Difference

To find the TD pushdown, cast a normal sorcery spell on the creature (706 or 711 are good options, since they won’t damage the body of the soon-to-be animate), then cast [[Corrupt Essence (703)]]. The TD pushdown is the original TD against the first spell minus the TD against [[Corrupt Essence]]. Wisdom bonus is shown after your wisdom score, which you can find by typing INFO. Level difference is your level minus the creature’s level. So let’s take an example.

Say sorcerer B casts Pain Infliction (711) against a creature. The resulting TD is 189. Sorcerer B then immediately casts 703 against that same creature, and the resulting TD is 146. Sorcerer B’s WISDOM bonus is 30. So the creature’s level is:
(189-146) = (30-1) + Level Difference

43 = 29 + Level Difference


⚫
*TD Pushdown = (Wisdom bonus -1) + (Sorcerer's level - Creature's level)
43-29 = Level Difference


First, you must determine the creature's normal TD vs. sorcerous magic. [[Mind Jolt (706)]] is generally the best choice for this purpose, because it will not damage the potential animate's body, and will also immobilize the target for you. Next, cast [[Corrupt Essence (703)]] at it. The TD pushdown is the original TD used against the first spell minus the corrected TD against [[Corrupt Essence (703)]]. Your level and Wisdom bonus values can be displayed by entering the INFO command in the game.
14 = Level Difference


Example:
What this means is that the sorcerer is 14 levels above the creature. If said sorcerer is 44, then the creature is 30 trains. Now the sorcerer can determine, based on their MAL, whether or not they can animate that particular creature.
'Sorcerer A' casts [[Pain Infliction (711)]] at the creature whose level is to be detemined, resulting in a TD of 189. 'Sorcerer B' then immediately casts [[Corrupt Essence (703)]] at the same creature, and the resulting TD is 156. Sorcerer B is level 44 and their Wisdom bonus is 30. Solve for 'C' which is the value of the creature's level. (189-156)=(30-1)+(44-C); 33 = 29 + 44 - C; C = 40. This tells us that the creature in question is level 40, or 4 levels below Sorcerer B. Now the sorcerer may determine, based on their MAL, whether or not they will be able to animate that particular creature.


== Troll Blood and MAL ==
== Troll Blood and MAL ==
Be aware that the quality of your crystals also affects your MAL. You should always try to use the same level troll blood as the number of [[Sorcerous Lore, Necromancy]] ranks you have. Using blood of a high level, however, will give you a bonus to your MAL at lower levels regardless of your [[Sorcerous Lore, Necromancy]] ranks, and using blood with a lower level will reduce your MAL at higher levels. The exact role all of this plays in your MAL is largely unknown, however, the [[Animate Dead (730)]] page has a brief discussion with estimates.
Be aware that the quality of your crystals also affects your MAL. You should attempt to use the same level troll blood as the number of [[Sorcerous Lore, Necromancy]] ranks you have. Using blood of a high level, however, will always give you a bonus to your MAL but a negative to the duration. Likewise, using blood of a lower level will always reduce your MAL at higher [[Sorcerous Lore, Necromancy]] ranks. The precise numerical role which the troll's blood plays in your MAL is largely unknown, though the [[Animate Dead (730)]] page has a brief discussion with estimates.

Revision as of 23:42, 4 January 2006

Maximum Animatable Level, or "MAL," is the term for the highest level of critter which a sorcerer is able to animate using the Animate Dead (730) spell.

Necromancy and MAL

MAL is set on a scale of -10 to +26. Meaning, at one's worst they can animate at ten levels below their own, and at their best, they could animate up to 26 levels above their own. Sorcerers without significant training in Sorcerous Lore, Necromancy are going to have negative MALs, but not to worry, this will not preclude you from animating, or finding worthwhile targets for animation. To find out what your exact MAL is (using Troll King blood), use your Sorcerous Lore, Necromancy ranks as (N) into the following equation:

  • MAL = {(N-20)/5}-10 [round down]

If your Sorcerous Lore, Necromancy ranks are less than 20, assume a -10 MAL. If you are a less experienced sorcerer, this number will be modified by whatever bonus you’re getting from the troll blood you’re using, and it likely be higher than what this equation assumes. Refer to section 4 (Troll Blood and MAL) or the Troll page for more detailed information.

Example: 'Sorcerer A' is level 58 and has 58 ranks of Sorcerous Lore, Necromancy. 58 minus 20 is 38. 38 ranks divided by 5 is slightly over 7. Rounding down, we get 7 even. Next, subtract 10 from 7, and we have -3. This means that Sorcerer A, using Troll King blood, will be able to animate at 3 levels below their own, or in other words, any creatures up to and including level 55. Increasing their Sorcerous Lore, Necromancy ranks to 60, would cause their MAL to rise to -2 (they may animate up to level 56).

Using Another Sorcerer's Animation Crystals

If you are using crystals made by another sorcerer, simply average your sorcerer’s Sorcerous Lore, Necromancy ranks with the ranks of the sorcerer who created the crystals, and plug that value into the formula as "N."

Example: 'Sorcerer A' is using 'Sorcerer B’s' animation crystals. Sorcerer A has twenty Sorcerous Lore, Necromancy ranks, and Sorcerer B had one hundred and twenty Sorcerous Lore, Necromancy ranks when the crystals were created. First, average the ranks. 20+120=140; 140/2=70. Now back to the MAL formula, using 70 for N. 70-20=50; 50/5=10; 10-10=0. The effective MAL for Sorcerer A when using Sorcerer B's crystals is 0 (zero). This means that Sorcerer A, who would normally be animating at level-10 with only 20 ranks of Sorcerous Lore, Necromancy, will be able to animate at their level using the crystals of Sorcerer B.

Calculating A Specific Creature's Actual Level

Now we've discussed how to calculate your character's MAL, but you also need to be able to calculate a creature’s exact level. Fortunately, Corrupt Essence (703) has a TD pushdown that is partially based on creature level relative to the sorcerer’s level. (BCS creatures will generate on a range of levels centered around the creature’s base level. Example: Shan are a base level of 42, though you may find individual Shan to range from the high 30's to mid 40's.) If you’re animating near your MAL, it’s important to keep track of the individual creature you’re trying to animate so you don’t accidently blow off a hand. To determine the level of a creature using Corrupt Essence (703), use the following equation:

  • TD Pushdown = (Wisdom bonus -1) + (Sorcerer's level - Creature's level)

First, you must determine the creature's normal TD vs. sorcerous magic. Mind Jolt (706) is generally the best choice for this purpose, because it will not damage the potential animate's body, and will also immobilize the target for you. Next, cast Corrupt Essence (703) at it. The TD pushdown is the original TD used against the first spell minus the corrected TD against Corrupt Essence (703). Your level and Wisdom bonus values can be displayed by entering the INFO command in the game.

Example: 'Sorcerer A' casts Pain Infliction (711) at the creature whose level is to be detemined, resulting in a TD of 189. 'Sorcerer B' then immediately casts Corrupt Essence (703) at the same creature, and the resulting TD is 156. Sorcerer B is level 44 and their Wisdom bonus is 30. Solve for 'C' which is the value of the creature's level. (189-156)=(30-1)+(44-C); 33 = 29 + 44 - C; C = 40. This tells us that the creature in question is level 40, or 4 levels below Sorcerer B. Now the sorcerer may determine, based on their MAL, whether or not they will be able to animate that particular creature.

Troll Blood and MAL

Be aware that the quality of your crystals also affects your MAL. You should attempt to use the same level troll blood as the number of Sorcerous Lore, Necromancy ranks you have. Using blood of a high level, however, will always give you a bonus to your MAL but a negative to the duration. Likewise, using blood of a lower level will always reduce your MAL at higher Sorcerous Lore, Necromancy ranks. The precise numerical role which the troll's blood plays in your MAL is largely unknown, though the Animate Dead (730) page has a brief discussion with estimates.

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